Newsletter—The Benefits of Cohousing for All Ages and Meet Our Member, Aundra
What a Multigenerational Community Makes Possible
One of the most meaningful things about life at Burns Village and Farm is how it brings people of all ages together in natural, everyday ways. Whether you're raising a young family, living on your own, or looking for deeper connection after retirement, this community is designed so that everyone is seen, valued, and part of something bigger.
For children, Burns Village and Farm offers what many families dream of: a safe, enriching place to grow up. Kids are surrounded by a village of caring adults from all walks of life who share skills, tell stories, and offer guidance, not because they have to, but because that's how life works here. Those relationships grow through simple moments like helping on the farm, learning something new in the craft room, or joining a neighbor for a project. Children also get the kind of freedom that's hard to find these days. With shared green space, walkable paths, and neighbors who look out for one another, kids can explore and play right outside their doors without needing scheduled playdates or long car rides.
For parents, having a close-knit community around you changes everything. Last-minute help with the kids, a shared meal on a busy night, or borrowing something from a neighbor down the path all become part of the rhythm of daily life. Regular community meals in the common house lighten the load of cooking every night and give parents a chance to connect with other adults while their children play safely nearby. It's a reminder that parenting was never meant to be done alone.
For individuals and adults without children, cohousing opens the door to the kind of meaningful connection that can be hard to find in a traditional neighborhood. At Burns Village and Farm, our intention is that relationships will grow through shared experiences: working together on the farm, gathering for communal meals, jumping into a group project, or simply crossing paths on an evening walk. You won’t need a built-in social network to belong here. Connection will be woven into the way the community is designed.
For older adults, Burns Village and Farm offers a deeply connected way to live. After retirement or other life transitions, it's easy to feel isolated. In a multigenerational community like ours, there will be constant opportunities to stay engaged, contribute, and build friendships with people of all ages. You can share your knowledge and experience with others while knowing that neighbors are close by and genuinely looking out for you. Independence and support go hand in hand here.
For everyone, life at Burns Village and Farm is built around purpose and connection. Whether it's a spontaneous conversation on the path, a meal made with produce from the farm, or lending a hand with a neighbor's project, people here know they belong to something meaningful. We believe every generation brings something valuable to the table, and when people of all ages live, learn, and grow side by side, life is fuller, richer, and more connected.
Meet our member, Aundra: "I Love People"
If you spend five minutes with Aundra Lafayette, you'll understand exactly why she belongs at Burns Village and Farm! She radiates the kind of energy and warmth that makes a community come alive.
Aundra's path to BVF started through a friendship with fellow member Diane, and grew deeper as she met more of the people involved. "I met John and Rebecca. They were so wonderful," she says. "That kind of convinced me just to move."
For Aundra, community is how she's wired. "I love people," she says. "No matter where you're from, it doesn't matter. I'm not judgmental. I love people." She's looking forward to the farming, the gardening, the shared meals, and the everyday moments of connection that cohousing is built around.
Health and good food are central to how she lives. Her mother lived to 99, and Aundra carries that legacy with her. "Everything draws to health. The people, the nourishment, the surroundings, the atmosphere, the earth." She already sources nearly all of her food from local farmers and can't wait to have fresh produce growing steps from her door.
Aundra is well known in Nashville's culinary community as "the Soup Lady," a title she's carried since 2010 for the incredible soups she serves up at local farmers markets and restaurants, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Her recipes earned such a following that she published her own soup cookbook.
When she imagines a typical day at Burns Village and Farm, it sounds a lot like the life she already loves, just richer. "Wake up, and people will be walking, going to the garden, planting the flowers. Just natural stuff."
And when asked to describe what she believes BVF will be in three words? "Successful, amazing, and wonderful."
We couldn't agree more, Aundra.